Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Ring-fencing will continue as part of Government policy. That has benefited the west and north west and it has permitted farmers to scale up and become competitive. We must move on in this sector because it is hugely important. We need to change and to afford farmers the opportunity to scale up. Perhaps the Deputy wanted to forget about our priority, which is young farmers. They must have priority. We must also examine lost leases, which is also a priority within this pool. The number of applicants under this scheme will increase compared with previous schemes and, on the basis of previous information and assessment discussions that have taken place within farming organisations and co-operatives, people will manage and work within the new system. The percentile between 11 cent and 24 cent will result in people staying in the system.

See this speech in context